Francisco Rodriguez reacts after finishing off the Rangers. (Mark Avery/AP)

By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com

Juan Rivera's two-out, pinch-hit double with the bases loaded sparked a five-run rally in the eighth as the Angels escaped with a win in the opener. Francisco Rodriguez nailed down save No. 51 on the season, and Jon Garland snagged his 12th win with eight innings of work.